Johor Amanah chief ready to meet BN counterpart over Mahkota seat

Johor Amanah chief Aminolhuda Hassan has acceded to party president Mohamad Sabu’s request for all its leaders to refrain from further public comments on the Mahkota by-election issue.

Berita Harian quoted Aminolhuda (above), who is also Johor Pakatan Harapan chief, as saying that he is ready to meet with Johor BN to discuss the issue sparked by Kluang Amanah’s bid to contest the Mahkota seat, which Umno previously won in the 2022 state election.

“The Amanah president has called on party leaders and members to not make any public statement on the Mahkota seat issue.

“Therefore, as Johor Amanah chief and Johor Harapan chief, I will accept the president’s request to not make any open statement on the Mahkota seat,” Aminolhuda reportedly said.

“InsyaAllah I am prepared to discuss with Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who is also Johor BN and Umno chief, next week,” he said.

Yesterday, Kluang Amanah’s announcement that the division intended to field a candidate in Mahkota, vacated following the death of its incumbent Syarifah Azizah Syed Zain from Umno, sparked the initial talk of a tussle between parties in the coalition government.

Kluang Amanah chief Mohd Zuhan Mohd Zain also reportedly said Amanah is prepared to make way for Umno in Mahkota if Johor Umno as the state government’s pillar is willing to offer positions including village chiefs and local councillors.

Zuhan’s announcement prompted a stern rebuke from Johor Umno Youth chief Noor Azleen Ambrose, while Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan said it would be better for Amanah to assist Umno in Mahkota and respect the principle of incumbency.

The reports sparked speculations of a tussle between Amanah and Umno, which prompted Mohamad to issue a gag order pending discussions between Harapan and BN after the ongoing Nenggiri by-election.

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